HB1257:

Natural gas utilities; retail supply choice.

Bill Summary:

Natural gas utilities; retail supply choice. Allows every person access to distribution service or retail natural gas from a natural gas company authorized to provide natural gas service to the area where the service will be received. The bill bars public entities from adopting an ordinance, a resolution, or any other requirement that limits or prohibits customers from acquiring natural gas service and supply from both utility and non-utility gas companies. The bill prohibits public entities from denying building permits solely based on a proposed utility provider and directs public entities to ensure that all applicable permits and fees are reasonable, as compared to other utility providers, and do not restrict an applicant's ability to use the services of an authorized utility provider. The bill also requires any public entity to satisfy certain requirements prior to discontinuing natural gas utility services generally or to any class of customers.